I’m currently in British Columbia, where recent polling data found that 76 per cent of British Columbians reported concern about climate change.

While there is a high general concern, a September 2025 poll noted a recent decline in respondents prioritizing environmental protections over job creation — from 60 per cent in 2022 to 40 per cent in 2025.

However, a growing number of British Columbians believe that GHG reduction initiatives may actually help job creation and the economy, not harm it.

To reduce B.C.’s emissions and create jobs, the province is focusing on hydrogen projects, electrifying transportation (90 per cent new zero-emissions vehicles by 2030), making all new buildings zero-emissions by 2030, cutting industrial methane and providing incentives for heat pumps.

B.C.’s transportation emissions were relatively flat in 2024. However, despite some progress, projections indicate B.C. is not currently on track to meet its 2030 climate targets. New fossil fuel projects and climate impacts like wildfires threaten to undermine the C02 reductions achieved to date. The B.C. government now says it will only meet half of its 2030 target to reduce emissions. And if B.C. can’t do it, is there any hope left for the rest of........

© Peterborough Examiner